Spyware Tips

"Q: How can I tell if my computer is infected with spyware?

 

A: Your computer may be infected with spyware if:

- - It slows down, malfunctions, or displays repeated error messages

- - It won't shut down or restart

- - It serves up a lot of pop-up ads, or displays them when you're not surfing the web

- - It displays web pages or programs you didn't intend to use, or sends emails you didn't write.

 

Other signs include:

 

- - Your browser takes you to sites other than those you type into the address box

- - Your home page changes suddenly or repeatedly

- - New and unexpected toolbars

- - New and unexpected icons in the system tray (at the lower right corner of your screen)

- - Keys don't work (for example, the "Tab" key that might not work when you try to move to the next field in a webform)

- - Random error messages

 

Q: What should I do if I think my computer is infected?

 

A: Stop shopping, banking, and other online activities that involve usernames, passwords, or other sensitive information. Spyware could be sending your personal information to identity thieves. Write down the model and serial number of your computer, the name of any software you've installed, and a short description of the problem. Your notes will help you give an accurate description to the technician. At the office, report the problem to your IT help desk, network administrator, or information security officer. At home, if your computer is covered by a warranty that offers technical support, contact the manufacturer, your Internet Service Provider (Comcast, AT&T, Time Warner, Verizon, Qwest, Earthlink, etc.), or a trusted computer consultant."

 

As a matter to the last comment about help covered by warranties, I find that most hardware and software companies, unless the vendor provides spyware or antivirus software, will not cover spyware issues as part of this coverage. You *may* get help from your ISP, but they will probably offer you a vendor's anti-spyware, or antivirus package that they will resell to you. It'll be up to you to remove the problem.

 

On the other hand, using computer consultant will probably mean an expensive computer rebuild, so trying to use a vendor's antispyware/virus such as Sunbelt Software's Vipre, is probably the best bet. I would add, however, that there are some spyware problems that are reported to affect the BIOS and hard drive of the computer directly, and these problem WILL require the help of a computer expert.